PVL: Deanna Wong return to Choco Mucho still uncertain

Choco Mucho Flying Titans setter Deanna Wong sidelined during a PVL All-Filipino Cup game. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho setter Deanna Wong’s timeline for return remains day-to-day with the team prioritizing her full recovery from her nagging knee injury in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin gives an update about their star setter, who has been sidelined in their first two games in the six-month tournament. 

“As of now, she’s still dealing with the same injury from previous conferences. What we’re doing now is preparing her so that when she gets back on the court, she won’t have to force his movements,” Alinsunurin told reporters. “I told her it’s a long conference, so she needs to fully recover. When she steps on the court, she should be at 100 percent.”

READ: PVL: Deanna Wong embracing limited role for Choco Mucho

“Every day, we’re always observing what she can improve on, what she can do better. She’s started handling the ball, but it’s more than just stationary work now,” said Alinsunurin.

Bouncing back from their opening day defeat to Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho turned to Kat Tolentino’s 27-point explosion, highlighted by seven blocks to survive Galeries Tower in five sets, 27-29, 25-20, 25-19, 17-25, 15-12, to improve to a 1-1 record on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Although missing Wong is a huge blow to the team’s campaign, Alinsunurin believes the team is in good hands with new main setter Mars Alba and her backup Jem Ferrer.

READ: PVL: Deanna Wong says Mars Alba ‘can lead’ Choco Mucho

“Even before Deanna had any issues, the two of them were always there. Deanna does have a bit of an edge over Mars, of course, and since we’re practicing and focusing on her every day, she’s able to make up for any gaps,” said the Choco Mucho coach.

“Whatever Deanna’s past performance was, Mars is always there to help with ideas on what she can do. They often talk about ways to improve what we’re doing on the court.”

Alba had 20 excellent sets on top of four points for their first win of the season.

Choco Mucho has a week before facing Capital1 next Thursday at the same venue in San Juan City.